Satellite TV shopper’s dilemma: Dish Network or DirecTV?

May 4, 2008 8:47 am admin Dish Network vs DirecTV

On first look the satellite TV giants DirecTV and Dish seem to be a lot similar with an array of channels to their credit. The customer thinks they are almost same. But on closer assessment one can spot some major differences.

Here’s a complete dissection of the satellite TV giants that show those differences so that one can make a decision that would prove beneficial for him. Dish Network offers five different packages. Prices range from $19.99 to $74.99 depending on the number of channels. They cover all types of channels to cater to the needs of different age groups. Drama, music, comedy, sports, parenting, religion and you name it they’ve got it.
They contain 350 channels with 25 HD channels, 31 movie channels, 52 music channels, 60 Sirius radio channels, 24 international channels, and 75 pay-per-view movies a month. Local channels are charged $5 per month.

DIRECTV provides three programming packages with prices ranging from $41.99 for the package that comprises of 155 channels and up to $96.99 for their package of 250 channels. Their programming also has everything you would want including drama, sports, variety, comedy, games, movies, news, and weather.

They have 250 channels comprising 31 movie channels, 14 international channels, 8 HD channels, 67 XM satellite radio channels, and 60 pay-per-view movies per month. Local channels are priced at $3 per month.

When subscribed to their satellite TV service DISH Network offers the subscriber a free satellite TV system that consists of a satellite dish, a four-room receiver system, and remote controls. Installation is free of charge and the installer will illustrate you how to maneuver all the components and answer your questions.

The subscriber can upgrade to a HD (high definition) receiver or a DVR (digital video recorder) receiver at no extra cost. The DVR receiver enables one to digitally record 100 hours of one’s much-loved shows and to pause and replay live TV. The HD receiver offers the customer access to high definition broadcasts for superior picture quality. Their combination DVR/HD receiver is priced at $199.

DIRECTV will also provide you a free satellite dish and a four-room receiver system, however you’ll need to pay $19.95 for shipping and handling. Installation of the system is free and your installer will show you how to operate it.

One can upgrade to a HD receiver or a DVR receiver free after a $99 mail-in return. The receiver can record 100 hours of programming and can pause and replay live TV shows. The HD receiver gives you access to HD programming. An assortment DVR/HD receiver is $499 subsequent to a $100 rebate.

When it comes to getting the most out of your money DISH Network emerges as the clear winner. They offer the most number of channels for the money, more movies, numerous pay-per-view channels, and more music channels as well. DIRECTV offers the NFL Sunday Ticket package for sports enthusiasts, an area where DISH Network has not entered.